Type forming machine



Oct. 6, 1953 c. c. RUTBELL ET AL 2,654,317

TYPE FORMING MACHINE Filed July 14, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet l S CLARENCE C. RUTBELL JULIUS LUSHT BY rm AGENT Oct. 6, 1953 c. c. RUTBELL ET AL 7 TYPE FORMING MACHINE Filed July 14, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS CLARENCE C. RUTBELL JULIUS LUSHT AGENT FIG. '3

Oct. 6, 1953 c. c. RUTBELL ETAL 2,6545317 TYPE FORMING MACHINE' Filed July 14, 1951 i I 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 maentorr CLARENCE QRUTBELL, JULIUS LUSHT AGENT Oct. 6, 1953 c. c. RUTBELL ET AL 2,654,317v

TYPE FORMING MACHINE v Filed July 14, 1951 I Y e Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG.5

m Zmventors no r CLARENCE C UTBELL JULiUS LUSHT Oct. 6, 1953 c. c. RUTBELL ET AL 2,654,317

TYPE FORMING MACHINE Filed July 14, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 6' INVENTORS CLARE c. R ELL AGENT Patented Oct. 6, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TYPE FORMING MACHINE Application July 14, 1951, Serial No. 236,754

Claims.

This invention relates to type forming machines, and more particularly to machines for producing type pieces by the well known kneading process.

The forming of individual pieces of type material into appropriate pieces of type by this process is accomplished by a combined rocking and pressing action between a die matrix and a type blank or slug of suitable material. In actual practice, either the die matrix or the type slug may be the rocked member, and either the die may be pressed against the type slug or the type slug against the die. The uniformity and accuracy of the type pieces produced are dependent upon the maintenance of the same relationship between the type slug and the die matrix for each piece of type formed.

A preferred embodiment of the instant type forming machine may comprise a table on which is mounted a turret device. The turret contains six work holding fixtures spaced 60 degrees apart in its top surface. During the initial portion of each machine cycle, the turret is automatically advanced or indexed 60 degrees and is then looked in position by mechanism synchronized with the turret advancing mechanism. In this manner each work fixture is indexed in steps in a path around the table. As a Work fixture is positioned in any one of two positions towards the front of the table, it is adapted to receive a type slug of suitable material. 133 successive indexings, each type slug is carried to a kneading position wherein a continuously rocking die matrix is automatically pressed against the type slug to form a piece of type. The next indexing of the turret carries the newly formed type piece to a position where it is partially ejected from the related work fixture. On the following indexing of the turret, the partially ejected type piece is moved into engagement with an ejector tool which completely removes it from its related work fixture. The next indexing of the turret carries the empty work fixture to a position where it may again be loaded with a type blank.

An object of this invention is to provide an im proved mechanism for effecting a kneading action on a type slug wherein type pieces are produced accurately and efiiciently. I

Another object of this invention is to provide struction and fast in operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a type kneading machine which requires comparatively light pressure between the die matrix and the type slug during the type forming operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a type kneading machine having novel means for adjusting and maintaining the position of the die matrix relative to the type slug.

Another object of this invention is to provide a type kneading machine having a turret mechanism with a plurality of novel work holding fixtures.

Another object of this invention is to provide a type kneading machine having novel means for ejecting the completed type pieces from the machine. I

Another object of this invention is to provide a type kneading machine having novel mechanism for indexing a turret mechanism during a fixed portion of each cycle of the machine and novel mechanism linked to and synchronized with the indexing mechanism for locking the turret in position during the remaining part of each machine cycle.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which discloses, by Way of example, the principle of operation and the best mode, which has been contemplated of applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the improved type kneadingmachine.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the improved type forming machine.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken on the plane of the line 3-3 in Fig. 2.

Fig.4 is a partial vertical section taken through the turret, work table, and kneading head on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3 and shows a work fixture in the kneading position.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 3 and shows the mechanism for partially ejecting each type piece from its related work fixture of the turret.

' Fig. 6 is a partial vertical section taken through the turret and table on the line 65 of Fig. 3 and shows the ejection mechanism for fully ejecting each type piece from its related work fixture.

' Fig. 7 isa perspective view of the ejector tool.

Fig. 3.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be noted that the type forming machine comprises a main frame, generally designated 9, which is secured to and supported by a base Ill. The frame 9 comprises side members II and [2 which are separated by back members l3 and I4 and a front member 15, the members l3, l4, and 15 being integral with the side members. Secured to the top of the side members by screws i5 is a top plate ll. Each of the side members includes a horizontal shelf portion [9, and attached to these shelf portions and to the front member I5 is a work table 2!. A rod 22 secured between an extension 23 of each side member and the front of its shelf portion l9 imparts added strength and rigidity to the shelf portions of the side members and to the front member l5.

Each of the side members 11 and i2 carry suitable bearing inserts to rotatably support the main power shaft 2'! of the type forming machine. Secured to the shaft are three came 28,, 29, and 3B which effect the various automatic operations of the type forming machine as be later evident. For driving the shaft, there is provided an electric motor .321 which is secured to the back .framemember l3. A'pulley33 on the shaft of the motor operates through belts .34 to drive a combined pulley and flywheel 35 secured to one end of the shaft 21. The shaft 21 is continually rotated clockwise in Fig. 1 when the motor is energized and, on each revolution of the shaft, the machine goes through one complete cycle of operation.

Rotatably mounted on the work table 2| is a so-called indexing turret .31. Spaced 60 degrees apart in the top surface of the turret, as shown in Fig. 3, are Six work holding fixtures generally designated 38. During the first part of each machine cycle, the turret is rotated clockwise 60 degrees to advance each work fixture one position. During the remainder of the cycle, the turret is positively locked in position. .As 1511613111- ret advances or indexes each work fixture to the front of the table or to the next index position clockwise from thefront-of the table, themachine operator inserts a type blank into the fixture. These two index positions are known as the loading positions of the turret.

By successive indexings of the turret, each type blank is advanced from the most clockwise loading position in Fig 3 to an intermediate position, and thence to a position directly under a so-called kneading head 39. .By a combined pressure and rolling action of the kneading head, an associated die matrix 40 (Fig. 4) automatically forms the type blank into a piece of type. After the type forming operation, the newly formed piece of type is advanced to a position where it is partially ejected from its work fixture. This position has been designated M in The next indexing of the turret carries the piece of type to an ejector mechanism, generally designated 42, which lifts it from the related fixture and discharges it down a chute 43 into a suitable container. In other words, the operator attending the machine merely loads the type blanks into the empty work fixtures of the turret as they are indexed past him, the actual type forming operation, and the removal of the type pieces being automatic.

Referring to Fig. 4, it will be noted that the turret comprises a circular member 41 which rests on the table 21 and engages the outer race of a roller bearing 48. The bearing also rests on the table 2! with its inner race engaging the shoulder 49 of a stud 59 projecting into a mounting hole in the table and secured, thereto, by screws 52. Mounted on the top of the circular member 41 is a circular member 53 having six openings 54 in which the work fixtures 38 are positioned. Adjacent to each of the opening and communicating therewith is a semicircular opening 55 having a slightly inclined inner wall 56, as shown in Fig. 4. A wedge member 51, mounted in each of the openings 55 and positively secured to the circular member 41 by a related screw '58, maintains a die block of each fixture tightly against the accurately machined outerwall of the opening 54. As a result, each block is accurately positioned the same distance from the mounting stud 58. Four screws 6| secure each block to the circular member 41. The screws 58 and wedge members 25?! also serve to rigidly secure the circular member 53 to the circular member ll. Asc-rew 62 and washer 63 aid in maintaining the entire assembly on the stud.

Each of the work fixtures 38 comprises the die block bfl which has an opening 65 therein in which a blade 66 is slidably mounted. It will be noted .in Fig. 4 that the portion or the opening 6'5 approaching the top surface of the block is of increasing width and, as a result, there is a wedge shaped clearance Bl between each side of the blade and the block at this point. The blade 56 extends through the block and .into an adjacent opening 68 in the bottom circular member 41. Slidably mounted in the opening 68 is a plug 69 whose top surface is engaged by the bottom of the blade while its bottom surface rests in a groove 1-8 which is cut in a circular path in the table 2! as indicated in Fig. 3. The groove is cut in the table to varying depths so that, as the turret indexes each fixture, the bottom of the groove acts as a cam surface against the related plug 69. As a result, the blade 56 is lowered or raised in the opening 55 in the corresponding die block 6t dependent upon the actual position of the fixture relative to the table.

The groove ill is cut to a depth as indicated at the left of Fig. 41 on that angular portion of the groove towards the front of the table. Consequently, as the turret indexes each work fixture in turn to the loading positions, the related blade 56 extends above its associated die block and is adapted to receive a type blank H, as indicated. It will be noted that the type blank is supported entirely on the blade 66 and does not engage the die block 60.

.As each work fixture is indexed from the most clockwise loading position in Fig. 3 towards the position directly under the kneading head, the groove l'B increases from the depth indicated at the left in Fig. 4 to the depth indicated at the right in Fig. 4. Consequently, if the related blade 65 has not, by its own weight, dropped to a lower position as indicated, the die matrix 40 of the kneading head, as it kneads the type blank into a piece of type, depresses the blade into this lowered position.

A type piece 12 of the form shown under the kneading head in Fig. 4 results from the actual type forming operation. During this operation, part of the metal of the original type blank H flows over the top of the die block 5% creating what is commonly referred to as flash [3. This flash or excessive metal is sheared from the type piece in a well known manner after the type piece is removed from the work fixture. It will also be noted that part of the metal of the original type blank is forced into the previously mentioned wedge shaped clearance 61 and back side of the blade thus forming wedge shaped extensions M on the type piece. It will also be noted in Fig. 4 that the portion of the table 2| directly under the kneading head contains a hardened steel insert adapted to support that portion of the turret and fixture under the kneading head.

After the type kneading operation, the next indexing of the turret positions the plug 69 of the fixture containing the newly formed type piece directly over the end of a lever 16, as indicated in Fig. 5. The lever extends under the turret in a slot H cut in the work table 2| and is pivotally mounted on a stud 18 carried by the table. A spring 19 extending between a recess in one end of the lever and a recess in the table 2| normally maintains the lever in a position free from the plug 69. Positioned directly above the outer end of the lever I6 is a plunger 89 which is slidably mounted in a member 8|. The top of the plunger comprises an enlarged cylindrical portion 92, the member 8| being cut away, as indicated, in order to accommodate this enlarged portion and other related mechanism. The cylindrical portion of the plunger has two circular recesses 83 therein, each of which is adapted to receive a spring at. The tops of the springs abut a plunger block 85 which is secured to the member 8|.

During the portion of each cycle when the turret is locked in position, the member BI is moved downward and then upward by mechanism to be later explained. Upon the downward stroke of the member, the plunger block 85 acts through the springs 89 to press the plunger 80 downward and effect a clockwise rotation of the lever 19. As the lever rotates, the plug 69 and the associated blade 96 of the related fixture are forced upward into the position shown in Fig. 5. Upward movement of the blade breaks any seal between the piece of type I2 and the related die block 60, and the type piece is partially ejected from the block, as indicated. Fixed to the blade is a pin 64 engageable with the block 09 for limiting upward travel of the blade. After partial ejection of the type piece, the plunger 80 restores upward in Fig. 4, and the spring 19 restores the lever I6 so that it is in position to repeat the above described operation during the next machine cycle.

It will be noted in Fig. 6 that the portion of the groove 70, extending clockwise in Fig. 3 from the so-called partial eject position 4!. to the eject mechanism 42. is of steadily decreasing depth. Consequently, if the plug 69, blade 66, and type piece 12 follow the lever I6 as it restores, the inclined surface of the groove over which the plug rides during the next indexing of the turret will lift the plug, blade, and type piece upward again. This inclined portion of the groove insures that each type piece will occupy the same partial eject position as it approaches the eject mechanism.

Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, the eject mechanism 32 comprises a lifter tool 8'! which is rigidly secured to one end of a lever 88. The other end of the lever is pivotally mounted on a shaft 99 carried by a block 90 which is secured to the work table 2|. The lifter tool 01 contains a recess 9|, and projecting into the recessfrom the lower ends of its side walls are two blade-like flanges 92. The flanges terminate short of engagement with each other so that a slot 93 is formed between their ends, as indi'cated'in Fig. 7. A'member 94 extends into a'slot 95 in the lifter tool and is pivotally connected to the lifter by a stud 96. Secured to the lower end of the member 94 is a so-called usher 99 having a recessed end I00 which extends into the recess 9|. The top end of the member 94 is connected through a link |0| to a cam follower I02 which is pivotally mounted on the lower end of a support I93 secured to the underside of the top plate IT. The follower I02 carries a roller N14 for cooperation with the previously mentioned cam on the power shaft 21. The cam is so shaped that during the'indexing movement of the turret, the lifter tool 8'! almost engages the top of the turret, as indicated in Fig. 6. When the lifter is in this position, the related slot 93 is directly in the circular movement path of the partially ejected type piece. Consequently, during the final part of the indexing movement of the turret, the partially ejected type piece moves into the recess 9! of the lifter as indicated in Figs. 6 and 7 with the wedge shaped extensions M of the type piece moving into the slot 93. When the indexing movement of the carriage ceases, the forward edge of the type piece is adjacent to the pusher 99 while the flash portions I3 of the type piece rests on the top of the flanges 92.

During the following machine interval when the turret is stationary, the cam 39 rocks the follower |02 counterclockwise in Fig. 1. The resultant upward movement of the connecting link NH and associated member 94 rotates the lifter tool 87 and lever 88 clockwise in Fig. 6 around the shaft 89 and into the upper dotted line position. This motion of the lifter removes the type piece from its related work fixture. It will be noted that as the lifter moves into this latter position, it is also displaced clockwise relative to the mem ber 94. As a, result, the edge of the pusher 99 engages the type piece and slides it out of the recess 9| during the latter part of the clockwise movement of the lifter. When the lifter reaches the dotted line position indicated, the type piece drops from the flanges 92 and into the chute 43. The outer end of the flanges 92 of the lifter tool almost engage an arcuate extension I95 of the chute 43 during most of the clockwise movement so as to prevent premature discharge of the type piece. piece into a suitable bin secured underneath the work table 2|. Thereafter, the cam 30 restores the mechanism to the lower position indicated in Fig. 6 in preparation for the next eject operation.

The mechanism provided for indexing the turret 31 60 degrees clockwise during the initial portion of each cycle, and for locking the turret in position for the remainder of the cycle, and for unlocking the turret at the end of the cycle in preparation for the next indexing operation, is controlled by the previously mentioned cam 29 secured to the shaft 21.

'Rotatably mounted at the mid point of a follower arm I06 (Fig. 1) is a roller I97 which cooperates with the carn 28. One end of the arm I06 is pivotally mounted on the side frame II by a suitable fastening I09. The arm I06 is continually biased counterclockwise in Fig. 1. by means of a member I09 to yieldingly maintain the roller in contact with the cam.

The member I09 comprises an enlarged shoulder portion H0 and a rod portion III. The shoulder portion H0 is pivotally secured to the arm I96 while the rod portion III is adapted to slidably engage an opening in an extension 4 of the side frame It. Slidably mounted on the The chute discharges the ejected type rod portion-ormember I09 is'a ball member 445. :A spring I I6 surrounds the rod portion 'I II between the shoulder portion I I and the ball memher. One end of the spring maintains the ball :member against a recess M1 on theextension :I I4 while the other end of the spring 6 acts on the shoulder III] and yieldingly biases the arm I06 counterclockwise.

Pivotally connected to the outer end of the arm I86 is a link I I3 which ispivotally connected to-one-end of a short arm I2I of a bellcrank I22. The bellcrank comprises two distinct parts, the short arm I2I which is secured to a shaft I23, anda long arm 124 loosely mounted on the shaft I23 adjacent to the short arm. The shaft I23 is .rotatably supported by .a bearing I25 carried by a member I26 which is secured to supports I21 attached to the work table 2-I.

The short arm contains four spaced recesses I28 (Fig. 3) at one side adapted to receive ifo'ur taperedpins I23 extending from one side of the long :arm. Adjacent the other side of the long :arm :is a .clamp I33 which is slidably mounted on the shaft I23 and on two bolts '-I3I carried "by the short arm. A spring I32 mounted on each of the bolts, urges .the clamp I33 towards the short arm so that the pins 129 of the intervening long arm are normally maintained engaged with the mating recesses I28 of the short arm. By this construction, the two arms are yieldingly locked together so that they normally rock as a unit, with the shaft I23, in response to an up and down movement of the link I I9.

Pivotally connected to the lower end of the long arm I24 is a link I35 which is connected to the bifurcated end of a square rod -I36 resting 'on the table 2I and adapted for reciprocation in a path across the front of the table. Blocks I31, I38, and a plate I39 secured to the table, guide the 'rod in a fixed path. Secured to the rod I36 is a'block I46 having one end of a link I42 pivotally mounted therein. Mounted on the other end of the link 'is a pawl I43 and a spring I44 connected between an extending portion 145 of the pawl, and the link I42, urges the pawl counterclockwise in Fig. 3 towards the bottom circular member '41 of the turret. The circular member contains recesses I46 spaced 60 degrees apart around its circumferential surface, each recess being aligned radially with one oi the work holding fixtures 38 and adapted to receive the nose I41 of the pawl. Fig. 3 shows the position of the turret, pawl I43, and related mecha 'ni'sm immediately prior to an indexing operation.

As the square rod I36 and associatedblock I40 shift to the left in Fig. 3 in'response to the clockwise rocking of the bellcrank I22 in Fig. 2, the resultant movement of the pawl I43 rotates the turret clockwise. As the turret rotates or indexes clockwise, the pawl is displaced relative to the link '!42, while the link I42 is displaced relative to the block I40. However, at all times during the actual indexing operation, the tail of the pawl rides on the circumferential surface of the turret so that the pawl occupies the same angular position relative to the turret as shown in 3. By this construction, the straight line movement of the square rod I36 is translated into an angular movement of the indexing pawl. When the square rod I36 reaches its extreme left hand position in Fig. 3, the pawl I43 occupies the dotted line position indicated, the pawl having advanced the imrret 60 degrees clockwise during the movement of the rod. The turret is then 8 locked in .position .for the remainder of the cycle by mechanism to be later explained.

During the machine interval when the turret is locked in its new position, the square rod restores to the right towards the position shown in Fig. 3. At the beginning of the restoring movement of the rod, the inclined surface I49 at the nose of the pawl is forced against the side of the recess I46 in which it is positioned. As a result, the pawl is cammed clockwise relative to the link I42 until its nose is disengaged from the recess. Thereafter, the nose of the pawl rides on the circumferential "surface of the circular member 41 of the turret until it drops into the next :recess I46. The mechanism is then in condition for the next indexing operation.

If for any reason the normal indexing movement of the turret or the movement of the related indexing mechanism is interfered with, the normal movement of the long arm I24 of the bellcrank I22 is also affected. With the long arm I24 blocked against movement, the continued movement of the short arm I2I effects a camming pressure between the pins I29 of the long arm and the mating recesses I28 of the short arm. This camming pressure is greater than the pressure exerted by the springs I32 and, as a result, the pins I 29 are disengaged from the recesses I28. Consequently, the short arm of the bellcrank is able to complete its cycle of operation independent and disconnected from the long arm. In this manner, damage to the mechanism is prevented.

The mechanism provided for locking the turret in position during the type kneading operation, which takes place during the latter part of each cycle, is most clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 3. It will be remembered that the short arm I2I of the bellcrank I22 is directly fixed to the shaft I23 and efiects a rocking action of the shaft as the link I I9 moves up and down. Secured to the other end of the shaft I23 is an arm I52 carrying a'stud I53 which supports a roller I 54. The roller coacts with one arm I55 of a bellcrank I56 which is pivotally mounted on a stud I51 carried by the support "I21. The other arm I59 of the bellcrank engages a block I63 secured to a push rod I6l, the rod being slidably supported in blocks I62 and I63 which are secured to the work table 2!. The end of the push rod I6I in turn coacts with an arm I65 of a bellcrank I66 which is pivotally mounted on a stud I61 secured to the work table 21. A spring I68 surrounds the rod I6I and facts between the guide block I63 and a block I69 secured to the rod for urging the latter toward the left in Fig. 3. The other arm I1I of the 'bellcrank I66 engages a slot in a pin I13 which is slidably mounted in a guide block I14 secured to the Work table 2 I. A spring I15 connected between the arm and the work table 2-I continually biases the bellcrank I66 clockwise in Fig. 3 so that the associated pin I13 is urged towards the turret 31. The end of the pin is adapted to engage an aligned recess I46 on the turret during the latter part of each cycle in order to lock the turret in position.

Fig. 3 shows the position of the turret locking mechanism immediately before an indexing operation of the turret. It will be noted that the end of the locking pin I13 is disengaged from the adjacent recess I46 of the turret.

During the latter part of each machine cycle, the bellcrank I66 is moved clockwise in Fig. 3 so that the nose of the pin I13 engages the adjacent recess I46 in the turret to lock it in position. The type kneading operation then takes place, and the shaft I23 is rocked to restore the pawl I43 towardsthe position indicated in Fig. 3 in preparation for the next indexing movement of the turret. During the latter part of the clockwise rocking of the shaft !23, the roller I54 carried by the arm I52 engages the arm I55 of the bellcrank I56 and rocks the bellcrank on its mounting stud I51. The resulting movement of the arm I59 of the bellcrank against the block I68 pushes the rod "SI for rocking the bellcrank I66 in a direction to disengage the pin I13 from the recess I46.

With the mechanism in the position indicated in Fig. 3, the following sequence of operations takes place: As the shaft I23 starts to rotate clockwise in Fig. 2 in response to the downward movement of link H8, the pawl I43 starts to index the turret clockwise in Fig. 3 in the manner previously explained. As the shaft rotates clockwise, the resultant movement of the arm I52 and associated roller I54 permits the spring I66 to start to restore the rod I6I towards the left in Fig. 3. The bellcrank E66, by reason of spring I15, tries to follow the rod I6I and move the associated pin I13 towards the turret 31. By this time, however, the pawl I43 has advanced the turret a sufficient amount so that the end of the pin I13 engages the circumferential surface of the turret. As the shaft continues to rotate, the rod I6! restores further to the left in Fig. 3. However, since the end of the pin I13 is now riding on the circumferential surface of the rotating turret, further clockwise movement of the bellcrank I66 is prevented and a clearance develops between the end of the rod and the arm I65 of the bellcrank I66. When the next recess I46 in the turret comes adjacent to the end of the pin I13, the spring I15 is able to rotate the bellcrank I66 clockwise in Fig. 3 to engage the pin in the recess. The bellcrank comes to rest with its arm I65 engaging the end of the rod I6I. Clockwise movement of the shaft I23 ceases at this time with a new work fixture 38 being positioned directly towards the front of the work table. Thereafter, the upward movement of the link II9 rotates the shaft I23 clockwise, and the sequence of operation as described above is repeated.

Adapted for vertical reciprocation relative to the turret and the work table is a ram generally designated I16 in Figs. 1 and 2. This ram includes rail portions I11 at each side slidably engaging mating grooves cut in the inner edges of the side frames II and I2. Secured to the top of the ram are two bolts I18 which extend through openings in the top plate I6 of the frame structure and through the centers of related coil springs I19. Attached to the top of each of the bolts is a plate I88 which abuts the top of the related spring I19, the bottom of the spring resting on a shoulder on the top plate I6. The springs I18 continually bias the ram upwards to maintain a roller I82 mounted on a shaft I83 carried by the ram, in continual engagement with the cam 28 on the main power shaft 21. The cam 29, which is shaped as shown in Fig. 1, is adapted to move the ram downwards toward the turret during the latter part of each cycle when the turret is locked in position. Figs. 1 and 2 show the ram shortly after it has started to move upwardly from its extreme lower position.

The mid portion of the shaft I83 on which the roller I82 is mounted is eccentric from the end portions of the shaft which are supported by the ram. Secured to one end of the shaft is a crank I84. The other end of the shaft engages an opening in a plate I which is secured to the ram. A slot extends from this opening in the plate to one outer edge of the plate. A screw I86 carried by the plate normally squeezes the portion of the plate on each side of the slot towards each other so that the shaft I83 is locked to the plate and, therefore, to the ram. When desired, however, the shaft may be unlocked and then adjusted angularly relative to the ram by the crank 8 In this manner, the mid portion of the shaft supporting the roller may be shifted relative to the ram. As a result, the length of the stroke of the ram may be varied as desired.

Secured to the lower end of the ram is a plate it? which rigidly supports two shafts I88 and I39. lf'he plate I81 is recessed around a portion of the shaft I88 to permit a link I9I, which has a suitable bearing insert, to pivotally engage the shaft. In a similar fashion, the plate is recessed around a portion of the shaft I89 to permit a link [92 to pivotally engage the shaft. Pivotally supported by suitable bearing inserts I93 and I94 in the other ends of the links I8I and 582 respectively, is the previously mentioned kneading head 38 which is built so as to eliminate all unnecessary weight. Adjustably locked to the kneading head, in a manner later to be explained, is the die matrix 83 having an engraved version of the desired type character in its lower surface. Secured to each end of the kneading head is an arm I85, the lower end of each of the arms having a shaft portion I96 (Fig. 3) integral therewith. Each of the shafts I96 engage a roller bearing I81 carried by a related guide member 186. The roller bearings serve to pivotally maintain the kneading head and associated die matrix directly over each type blank as it is indexed into the kneading position. It will be noted that the end of one shaft I96 slidably engages a block 99 secured to the table while the end of the other shaft I96 slidably engages the previously mentioned block secured to the table. These blocks I88 and 38 accurately position the kneading head so that it can not shift laterally relative to the turret. The rearward end of each guide member I88 carries a suitable bearing insert which pivotally engages a projecting end of a shaft 280. The shaft includes eccentric portions 28I which engage support members 282 secured to the work table. A screw 203 carried by each support member is normally tightened against the shaft to lock it to the support members. The portion of the shaft between the supports 262 is rectangular in cross section so that the shaft 206 may be adjusted angularly relative to its supports with a hand wrench upon release of the lock screws 203. As the shaft is shifted angularly, the eccentric portions 28! shift the shaft 288 and in turn the guide members I86 forward or rearward relative to the turret as desired. In this manner, very accurate control of the roller bearing pivot points of the kneading head is obtained.

The kneading head includes an upwardly extending portion 265 which projects into a slot 206 in the plate I 81. A wrist pin 26? is secured to the upper end of the extending portion 285, the projecting ends of the pin engaging bearings carried in the bifurcated end of a connecting rod 268. The other end of the connecting rod (Fig. 1) carries a bearing insert which rotatably engages a crankshaft Zlt. The crankshaft is 11' rotatably supported Icy-bearings mounted in the rearward portion of; the plate I81. Mounted on each end of the crankshaft is a flywheel 2. One of the flywheels is provided with agroove to receive a belt 2|2 which, engages a pulley 213 of a drive motor 2M secured to the back member l5 of the frame structure. The motor 214 is continually energized when the type forming machine is in operation, and the resultant rotation of the crankshaft 210', through the connecting rod 238, imparts a rapid back and forth movement to the top of the kneading head 39. Since the bottom of the kneading head is pivotally constrained by the roller bearings i9! of the guide members I98, an oscillatory rollingmotion results at the surface of the die matrix Ml.

The downward movement of the ram "Beach cycle pressesthe die matrix against a type blank which is then positioned directly under the die matrix. This pressing action combined with the rolling motion of the die matrix, effects a kneading action on the type blank. As a result, the exact complement of, the engraving in the die is formed on the type blank. During the type forming operation, part of the metal of the original type blank flows into the clearances 61 in the fixture, as previously explained, thus. forming W e shaped extensions 74' in the type piece. These wedge shaped extensions are utilized in later mounting the typepiece on a type bar in a well known manner. The plate 8,1, on which the mechanism for operating the lever 16 is mounted, is secured tov the bottom of the plate 181. Consequently, as the ram moves downward during each type forming operation, the lever 16 is simultaneously operated top'artially eject the previously formed type piece from its related work fixture-38.

The die matrix adjustably; mounted in the kneading head ina manner most clearly shown in Fig. 4. A recess 2,l61is formed in the kneading head so that. it opens at its upper end into a transverse bore 2H formed through the head at an incline as shown. The die matrix 46, fits within the recess andisheld. in place by a member 218. clamped; to; the, kneading head by. bolts 2|9. A bolt 225 extends through the bore 2H and is shaped to providea flat surface 22!. which is engageablewith the'end ofthe'die. Bymanipulating nuts 222 on the b-olt. 2,2i0, the-latter may be shifted. longitudinally, through the bore 211-.

Asa result, the surface 2H changes its verticalv position and determines the amount which. the die matrix extends below the; bottom of the kneadingv head. In this manner, the engraved portion of the die matrix may be accurately maintained on alignment withthecenter of the pivot shafts. 496, of the kneading head. Both.

ends of the diematrixv may have the desired character engraved. therein. so that. when one end of the die becomes Worn, it may be turned around to position theunworn end in the type.

forming position.

It will be. appreciated that as. aresult or the manner of mounting the kneading head, it is,

at all times accurately maintained in its operational path with a minimum of play. Consequently, the associated die matrix is able to applyv the same uniform kneading motion to each successive type blank resulting in the production of uniform and accurate type pieces. The manner of mounting the kneading head and importing the kneading action to the head, combined withv the light mass of the head, enables the machine to form type pieces rapidly.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the-fundamentalnovel features of-the invention as applied to a preferred embodl ment, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the: form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of theinvention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited-only as indicated by'the soopeef thefollowing claims.

We claim:

1. A cyclically'operable type forming machine comprising, in, combination, a stationary frame having a work table, a turret rotatably mounted on said table, a work member, a die matrix: rigidly secured to, said work member, elongatedguide members for said work member; means pivotally connecting said work member to one end of said guide members, means for pivotally connecting the other end of said guide members to said stationary frame, said last mentioned means being adjustablev forpositioning said work member laterally over said turret, a plurality of spaced holding fixtures carried by said turret, each fixture being adapted to hold: a work piece, means for rotating said turret a predetermined distance each cycle so as to position said fixtures successively under said die matrix, means for rocking said work member on said guide members, and means for moving said work member so as to engage said die matrix with a work piece while said Work member is being rocked.

2. A type forming machine; comprising, in combination, a stationary frame, means mounted on said stationary frame for supporting a type blank, a ram reciprocably guided on said: stationary frame for movement vertically relative to said supporting means, means for reciprocating said ram, a Workmember carrying a die matrix at its lower end,,a link pivotally connected atone endto said ram and pivotally connected at its, other end to said work member-at a point, between the ends ofthe latter, an elongated member pivotally connected at one end to said stationary frame and pivotally-connected' atits other end to the lower end of said workmemher, saidelongated member operating to hold'said die matrix in position for engagement with said type blank as said work member is movedjdownwardly, and means connected to the upper end of, said workmember for, rockingthe latter aboutsaid elongated member so as to producea kneading action. onsaid. type, blank by saiddie matrix.

3; The type forming machine, of claim 2 in:- cluding guide blocks secured to, said stationaryframe and slidably engaging said work member on. opposed sides of. its lower, end for preventing movement of the work member laterally in one direction, relative. to, said supporting means.

4.. The type forming.- machineof' claim 2 further characterized, in that the, pivotal, connection betweenv the one end of the elongated members and the stationary. frame may, be shifted so as to permit a lateraladjustment ofsaid work memberrelative tosaid supportingmeansin thedirection of said rocking action.

5.. A type forming machine comprising, in combinationa stationary frame, mean mounted on saidframe for accurately supportinga workpiece in a type forming position, a member'reciprocably guided on said-frame for movement at right angles relativeto saidisupport-means, means for reciprocating said member, a work member, a plurality of links each pivotally-connected at once.

end to said reciprocable member and at the other end to said work member at a point between the ends of the latter, said links serving to impart the motion of said reciprocable member to said work member, a plurality of elongated guide members each pivotally connected at one end to said frame and at the other end to an end of said work member adjacent the support means, said elongated guide members operating to guide said work member for engagement with said work piece as said work member moves toward said support means, and means connected to the other end of said work member for rocking the latter CLARENCE C. RU'I'BELL. JULIUS LUSHI'.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 10 Number Name Date Vetter Oct. 30, 1906 Thorell Mar. 8, 1938 Thorell "a" F- Mar. 8,1938 

